The Thaw (Star Trek: Voyager, S2 E23) was recommended by Tonks Moriarty (they/them) , who said: Quite frankly, I love malevolent clowns, the idea something that is outwardly supposed to be joyous or happy is actually twisted and evil. This episode is so surreal, and strange, and weird and it isn't /afraid/ to be that. The Fear Clown establishes himself as a threat, and his interactions with Robert Picardo are fantastic. This also reinforces a very important character trait about Janeway, you don't f*** with her crew.

NoWay recommended The Thaw, saying:

"I honestly dont know how this episode was received and if it receive a lot of hate but for me its one of my favourites in voyager.

The idea of having a computer make a interpretation of the subconscious fears and manifest them into a character sounds believable to me and that this character realizes he has to keep his hosts alive/scared to keep himself from fading away is also something that seems to fit.

There are some scenes that are a bit weird though like "harry growing old and young"

I love the clowns interaction with the doctor as well , first time the doc interupts him "excuse me, your are not holding that properly" and the second time where the clown remarks the doc is good and bringing a party to a hold"

I also dont fully understand why janeway would program her hologram with a "haha got you" response after the people are free but it sort firs with janeway since he does like 'winning' "

The Thaw first aired on April 29, 1996, written by story by Richard Gadas, teleplay by Joe Menosky, and directed by Marvin V. Rush

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